What is a trade deficit and what effect will it have on the stock market?

A trade deficit, also referred to as net exports, is an economic condition that occurs when a country is importing more goods than it is exporting. The deficit equals the value of goods being imported minus the value of goods being exported, and it is given in the currency of the country in question. For example, assume that the United Kingdom imports £800 billion (British pounds) worth of goods, while exporting only £750 billion. In this example, the trade deficit, or net exports, would be £50 billion.

The current account is used as a measure for all of the amounts involved in importing and exporting goods and services, any interest earned from foreign sources, and any money transfers between countries.

The financial account is made up of the total changes in foreign and domestic property ownership.

In terms of a country's stock market, a sustained trade deficit could have adverse effects. If a country has been importing more goods than it is exporting for a prolonged period of time, it is essentially going into debt (much like a household would). Over time, investors will notice the decline in spending on domestically produced goods, which will hurt domestic companies and their stock prices. Given enough time, investors will realize fewer investment opportunities domestically and begin to invest in foreign stock markets, as prospects in these markets will be much better. This will lower demand in the domestic stock market, causing it to decline.

A trade deficit occurs when a country's imports exceed its exports. It is an economic measure used in the field of international trade. A trade deficit is not necessarily detrimental, because it often corrects itself over time. However, a trade deficit may lead to fewer jobs.